My name is Rohit Srikanth. As an Edison, NJ resident, I witness air pollution on a daily basis. Progress comes at a cost and frequently, it's our natural environment that bears all of it. The limiting of rainfall absorption and an increase in the occurrence of urban heat islands are problems we are beginning to face due to aggressive urban expansion. I stand before you today to call for a change - a restoration that we so crucially need. Our town used to have functioning flood plains and vegetative buffers that helped regulate our environment and mitigate potential disasters.

The World Bank explains that vegetative buffers can contribute to the management of our micro-climate by reducing heat and filtering pollutants (World Bank, 2017). These buffers are being significantly reduced in Edison, leading to higher temperatures and an increased risk of urban heat island effect. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies this phenomenon as a direct result of the urban growth and the consequent loss of vegetation (EPA, 2009).

Moreover, our floodplains are critical in managing natural water systems. The National Flood Insurance Program conducted a study that showed for every dollar spent on hazard mitigation, four dollars are saved in disaster recovery costs (NFIP, 2005). Restoring them, will not only protect us environmentally but also economically.

I implore our town officials and development planners to consider the recovery of our flood plains and the reintroduction of vegetative buffers. These are significant tools that can protect our town and fight against both the loss of natural habitat and urban heat islands. It's personal to us, it's about our future. Please, join me in urging our officials to make a dedicated effort in restoring Edison's lost environmental wealth. Sign this petition today.